http://www.boston.com

Senate to vote on rejecting federal identification program
May 4, 2006

CONCORD, N.H. --A rebellion against new federal rules for driver's licenses faced tough opposition in the state Senate on Thursday.

The House-passed bill would bar the state from participating in the federal Real ID Act, which privacy advocates around the country hope would encourage other states to follow suit.

Real ID grew out of recommendations by the Sept. 11 Commission, which studied the terrorist attacks and how to prevent a recurrence. It requires that by 2008, states verify birth certificates, Social Security numbers, passports and immigration status when people get driver's licenses.

Licenses will have to be machine-readable and state databases with driver information and photographs will be linked in what opponents have called a national identity database.

Critics say that undercuts personal privacy and violates New Hampshire's "Live Free or Die" ethos. Gov. John Lynch, who says he will sign the ban if it passes, also says carrying out Real ID would be costly.

Senate President Ted Gatsas, a Manchester Republican, opposes the bill and says Real ID critics exaggerate. Federal officials including U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg and 1st District Rep. Jeb Bradley, both R-N.H., have urged the state Senate to support Real ID. They say it's needed to keep terrorists and illegal immigrants from entering the country.

Gregg argues that New Hampshire residents will find it difficult to get on airplanes or enter federal buildings if New Hampshire doesn't embrace Real ID.

State Rep. Neal Kurk, R-Weare, a sponsor of the Real ID ban, has drawn national attention for his efforts.

"It's a feel-good device: It's intended to make us think that we're going to be safe and ... our borders are secure, but they're not," Kurk has said.